Stabilizing effect of electrostatic vs. aromatic interactions in diproline nucleated peptide β-hairpins

Abstract

The contribution of Tyr–His vs. Cys–His interacting pairs to the scaffold stability of ^DPro–^LPro nucleated peptide β-hairpins has been examined. We present direct evidence for the superiority of the Cys–His pairs, mediated by sulphur–imidazole interactions, as added stabilizing agents of the β-hairpin scaffold.